Knox Mutizwa: Striking for Success, Not Conflict in South Africa

Richards Bay striker Knox Mutizwa says he came to South Africa with one mission — to work hard and change his life, not to create enemies.

The Zimbabwean forward, who hails from Bulawayo, revealed that growing up in tough conditions back home continues to motivate him to stay focused and humble.

“I came to South Africa to work, not to fight with anyone,” Mutizwa told Sportswire. “Where I come from in Zimbabwe, life is hard. That’s what keeps me going — I want to change my life.

“You guys [South Africans] accepted us, and we must repay that trust. That’s why when people say, ‘At Golden Arrows, Knox this, Knox that,’ it hurts. I can’t come here and fight with anyone.”

Mutizwa addressed reports surrounding his controversial exit from Arrows, insisting that the negative talk about him was unfair. Sportswire previously revealed that Arrows terminated his contract before the end of last season due to alleged misconduct following a prior suspension.

“Players don’t always get the chance to clear their names when bad publicity comes out,” Mutizwa added. “If anyone says Knox was fighting, that’s a lie. We don’t get platforms to explain ourselves.”

Since joining Richards Bay in September, the 32-year-old striker has been in outstanding form — scoring four goals in just three appearances, including one in the 3-1 win over Durban City in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals last weekend.

The Natal Rich Boys will now face Orlando Pirates in the semi-finals next month.

“South Africans are too privileged sometimes — you don’t see what we go through back home,” Mutizwa said. “I don’t mean that in a bad way, but it’s the truth.”

Mutizwa, who previously played for Bidvest Wits and became Arrows’ all-time leading scorer with 63 goals in 231 appearances, is now eyeing another milestone — 100 goals in the PSL.

Since arriving in South Africa, he has netted 67 goals in 234 matches, along with 23 assists.

“It’s one of my goals to reach 100 goals in the PSL,” he said. “When you’re a striker, once you hit that mark, everyone remembers you — and that’s what I’m working towards.”